Snyder’s Detective
You can catch me almost anywhere complaining about how Batman is overrated and over exposed, so I tend to steer clear of most Batman books. Comixology had a stellar sale on Snyder’s Detective Comics, issues #871 thru #880. I bought them. I know, I am super late to the party, but wow. Snyder’s Detective is suspenseful and interesting. I love how Snyder shows that while Dick is a good Batman, he is no Bruce … and people notice the difference. Also, Snyder gave me a new appreciation for Commissioner Gordon. I think Jock’s art is great, but Francesco Francavilla is AMAZING. I know I am late to that party, too. It’s not that I am not familiar with Francavilla. I am. He has been killing it on cover art. But within the pages of Detective Comics, telling the story of Gordon’s son; he really strikes a superb aesthetic. This is good stuff people. You probably already knew that. Now I do, too.

My Stash This Week …
Wonder Woman #7, Birds of Prey #7, Fables #115, The Infinite Vacation #4, Strange Talent of Luther Strode #6

Birds of Prey FTW!
Seven months into “The New 52,” and DC books are dropping from my pull list like flies. Only a few remain, and they remain because they are that good (and maybe one out of character loyalty). Birds of Prey remains because Duane Swierczynski and Jesus Saiz are doing a bang up job. I have sung the praises of the Birds, but it keeps getting better. Issue #7 is in the thick of the arc that has been going on from the beginning. You could jump into this issue, it would still be a damn good read. But go back to the start, and read Birds of Prey from issue #1. You’ll thank me for it.

Fables
This month’s cover of Fables #115 might be one of my favorite covers … ever.

Fables has spent the better part of ten issues “seed planting,” and Willingham is slowly doling out the fruit of that. One of Snow’s seven offspring, Therese, has found her way to the land of Discardia where she is to be Queen. While Snow heads off to search for Therese, the dynamic among the cubs continues to develop as things change at home. Nurse Spratt has been found in the dungeons of Castle Dark, and is shoveling quite the snow job on the returning Fables. You can sense the awful coming. As is they way of Fables, darkness is always just around the corner. These characters eat Murphy’s Law for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I keep eating it up, too. My amygdala likes it.

Speaking of My Amygdala …
Have you read The Strange Talent of Luther Strode!? JESUS. H. CHRIST. This one punched me in the gut. It’s a six-issue mini by Justin Jordan and Tradd Moore. A geeky guy gets super powers, and the consequences of that are … intense. I devoured the first five issues when I discovered it, and was rabid for the final issue. Jordan tells an unforgettable and unexpected story and Moore’s art makes the violence palatable. Sort of. The trade comes out in April. This one might make my best of 2012 list.

The Infinite Vacation
This book is an example of how no matter the length between issues, I am still going to get it (à la Lady Mechanika). Also, issue #3 was so bloody memorable that it will be burned into my brain until death … or dimentia. Fret not, issue #4 will let you keep your lunch. There is more movement through universes and less human torture. Nick Spencer is a really smart man. I don’t know how much of this story is based on actual scientific theory or he just pulled it out of his ass, but it all works believably well. Aside from being a total smarty-pants, Spencer combined with the brilliant art of Christian Ward, make a comic unlike any other. And they do it in every issue. Aside from a few panels in this issue that come off a bit rushed; Ward’s art is stunning. His use of color, shapes and perspective is breathtaking. The Infinite Vacation is equal parts crazy and beautiful. Crazy beautiful.

Wonder … Whoa!
Welcome back Cliff Chiang! I missed you on art duties for Wonder Woman. Your work is stellar, as usual. Props to Matthew Wilson, who’s color compliments Chiang’s art and the story superbly. As for the ongoing saga of the Greek gods, Brian Azzarello is pulling no punches. For all of the prevalence of male on female violence, this story flips that script in a ritualistic mass-rape kind of way. Check Erika’s quick review of Wonder Woman #7, and read this issue. I’d love to know what you think about yet another twist on our darling Amazon’s heritage.

My Pull List
Wonder Woman #6, Fables #114, Birds of Prey #6, and Peter Panzerfaust #1.

PANZERFEST!
Peter Panzerfaust is a new title from Image Comics, and the first issue is a delight. Inspired by the characters and moments of the well-loved Peter Pan, writer Kurtis J. Wiebe introduces a unique take on the fairy tale that is shining with potential. My knowledge of Peter Pan is peripheral at best. I haven’t even watched Hook in its entirety. But the little that I do know gives Peter Panzerfaust a subtle familiarity while still being very much its own story.

Aside from having a fantastic title, the quick dialogue and reckless abandon of Peter Panzerfaust is endearing. I smiled from ear to ear several times while reading, not only from the story, but from the art, too. Tyler Jenkins’ style is absolutely charming. He graces us with a cheerful splash page introducing Peter Panzerfaust to the world, as well as some brilliant moments with the other characters – Felix, Julien, Alain, Claude, Maurice, and Gilbert, who will come to be known as the Lost Boys.

I have no loyalty to Pandom, but I plan on getting at least the first arc. So, I think that tried and true Peter Pan lovers will especially enjoy this title.  Show some love to the creator-owned PETER PANZERFAUST.

Filling In
Wonder Woman and Birds of Prey both had fill-in artists this month. Tony Akins on Wonder Woman and Javier Pina taking on the Birds. I am still not fond of Akins’ work. He just makes Diana look SO SEVERE. From the bulging muscles to the sharp angles of her face; it’s all a bit much. Still, he manages some great actions sequences, and killer art on the Greek gods. I miss Chiang, though. On a lighter note, Pina killed it on Birds of Prey. He’s as good as Jesus Saiz. He may miss some detail in a few panels, but overall, Pina’s work in this issue is impressive. Both books are working with some kick ass colorists, Matthew Wilson and June Chung, respectively.

Back on Track
Fables was starting to piss me off as of late, but we are back on track now. Juicy tidbits about the North Wind are revealed. Buckingham delivers a pretty stellar splash page of what Snow and Bigby’s cub Winter may grow up to be. The Fables are moving back to Fabletown, which is now Castle Dark. AND there is a beautifully drawn back-up short by artist Shawn McManus set in Oz. All in all, a satisfying issue. For those of you getting the single issues of Fables, we are finally starting see the following revelation unfold …

Alright. I have to go pack. Talk to you next week, lovelies.

I heart Birds of Prey … Except For David Finch’s Covers
Starling got my unabashed vote for Friday Favorite last week, and for good reason. She is the best part of Duane Swierczynski’s Birds, but she is not all that is good. Duane is writing a kick-ass team book. All characters are distinct and intriguing in their own way. There is a great mix of mystery, action, punchy dialogue, strong character moments, and the chemistry between Starling, Black Canary, Katana, Poison Ivy, and Batgirl is working beautifully. The most impressive thing about Birds of Prey is that for five months in a row, Jesus Saiz has delivered consistently beautiful art. A couple more issues and he’s going to be like Calafiore on the Six and it just won’t feel right if anyone but Saiz draws BoP. Also, I think we might have another LGBT character in our midst. I am not sure, because there is not a great deal of exposition. Starling shows up unexpectedly at another woman’s home, and says she knows she is not supposed to be there. The woman touches Starling’s hand, and blushes. I get the definite impression that that situation is not platonic. Maybe Ev Crawford is gay, maybe she is bi. Either way, it works for the character. I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised, and it wouldn’t feel contrived. It’s good writing people.

Rawr Frau

Are We There YET?
Why must you taunt me Fables? Why? We know who is going to replace Mr. North as the North Wind; can’t we just get on with it already? I love a good Frau Totenkinder flashback as much as the next fangirl, especially when it is drawn by Adam Hughes. But I am REALLY anxious to know what happens next in the main story. Hurry it up!

Since we are at anticipation station; the same thing goes for you, Morning Glories! Nick Spencer is taking due diligence to another plane. The exposition is either so slow or so complex that I am going to go grey before I figure out what the hell is going on at that damn academy. It’s issue #15! Hurry it up!

COLBY COLBY COLBY
I review Chew fairly regularly over at Newsarama. It’s a fun book to write about. Chew just screams, “Please make bad but awesome food puns in your review! PLEASE!” Maybe not. I digress. Lately I have been jonesing for some John Colby, Tony Chu’s rascal of a partner. Well, former partner now. He’s been outside the arc for an issue or two. I’d like to think The Mighty Layman did it just for me (probably not), but Chew #23 has so much Colby it’s like Christmas … right after Christmas.

John Colby says brilliant things like, “This fucking USDA gig sucks enormous syphilitic monkey balls.” Also, he will sleep with anyone. Literally, anyone. Maybe even anything. He’s like a white Axel Foley who took a butcher knife to the head and got a digital brain upgrade. He’s kind of perfect.

Art by Rob Guillory

I knew Starling was a pistol as soon as she burst onto the scene. And by burst I mean drove an antique car through the wall of a church. She’s a girl after my own heart.

What girl doesn’t want to be a super hot vigilante with all kinds of classified knowledge, general ass-kicking abilities, a sleeve of tattoos, and a penchant for one-liners? According to the Canary, “Ev Crawford is a master strategist who can drive, shoot and talk her way out of practically anything.” Also, she is wearing the hell out of that ponytail.

Starling is a force to be reckoned with and brings some awesome chemistry to the dynamic of the Birds (something I thought would be lost with a new team). But mostly, she makes me laugh. Out loud.

This Friday the 13th is dedicated to one of the best and brightest to come out of the relaunch. Here’s to Starling!

“They call me the Spy Smasher because I kill terrorists, and those who wish harm against our country. You will never, ever be in a room with anyone of a higher authority. Not if you live to be a hundred.”

Combine every relentless hardass you’ve ever known, add a dose of supreme confidence and combat training, provide scary federal credentials, and put it all in one intimidating package topped off with a severe ponytail. The result? Katrina Armstrong, aka Spy Smasher.As written by Gail Simone in the Birds of Prey “Blood and Circuits” arc, Ms. Armstrong was your worst nightmare, and she blew into the Birds’ lives like a blonde tornado. Barbara Gordon is a hard woman to intimidate, but her former college frenemy took her to the brink by going after her team with big, government-certified guns. And by not-too-subtly threatening her dad, Commissioner Jim Gordon. In short, Spy Smasher is valedictorian of the Amanda Waller School of Ruthless Tactics. If you don’t follow her command, prepare to be tirelessly and vigorously hunted.

Has anyone seen Wilkins' manhood? It's gone.

Spy Smasher’s BoP entrance was unforgettable. Storming into the Pentagon, she immediately demanded that some poor bureaucrat – Deputy Administrator Fenton Wilkins — shoot down the Birds’ helicopter. He tried to reason with her later, but she (as they say in some circles) totally pulled his ho card in the sequence above. Oh, and when Wilkins wasn’t quick enough with the coffee, she pulled a gun on him.

Katrina could have been a one-note villain, but Simone wrote the character as a intelligent, extremely capable woman who wants to win, period. She also had an interesting history with Babs. Both were gifted, fiercely competitive students at Gotham State, and they regarded each other with a wary respect. “Kat, not quite a friend, more of a like-minded and pleasantly cordial scorpion with just a smidge of unused venom.” Nicola Scott drew Spy Smasher as dangerously long and lean, with cheekbones that could cut glass. That damn ponytail was practically a weapon, and it reminded me of Madonna’s Blonde Ambition phase.

I define a successful character as one who leaves you wanting to see more of them, regardless of “likability.” Spy Smasher doesn’t have a likable bone in her body, and I wouldn’t have her any other way.

Enjoy it while you can, Catman.

Girls Gone Geek has been alive with the sound of frustration due to the not-so-flattering portrayals of beloved female comic characters. Today, I would like to celebrate a powerful character moment for a G3 favorite, Huntress.

Birds of Prey #11 gave us the long- awaited Huntress/Catman “date.” True to form, it was a helluva read. What Gail does best with the Birds is their inner monologue, and Helena’s was spot-on. Her internal struggle with her outright attraction to Thomas in direct conflict with her sense of his darkness was wildly relatable. You see, once upon a time … I was a card-carrying member of the Bad Decision Bears Club, and by “Bears” I mean “Boys.” Reading one of my favorite female heroines have such a real-world struggle was not only validating, but the way she handled it catapulted this issue in to my Top Ten.

During Catman and Huntress’ brief interaction, she sensed that he’d changed since they last saw each other, and so not in a good way. The once anti-heroic Catman crossed over to the dark side when his son was kidnapped. His full-on killing spree and face-chewing got him a one-way ticket to Hell. Since then, his extreme violent tendencies coupled with random bouts of public nudity are a gigantic red flag of his psychopathology. Huntress knows none of this, but she can smell the bad on him.

Son-of-a ... homicidal maniac

As Catman “helps” Huntress track the bad guys who kidnapped a woman; there is a moment where she suspects dishonesty, and she calls him out, without apology. Helena is a smartie, and after some bad decisions in the past, she decided to follow her instinct. She was dead-on. Not only did Catman lie about his involvement with said bad guys, but he and Deadshot staged the kidnapping, thus traumatizing a woman just so he could get close to Helena. Talk about your tainted love. For all the ladies who love a “bad boy,” that kind of dedication is never good.

Never once did Helena compromise her integrity or dignity. She was smart, empowered, and she walked away from Thomas Blake with her swag fully intact. It was utterly inspiring.

Thank you, Gail.

P.S. YAY! Bat Jammies!

In Birds of Prey #6, not only did I get Sin, but I got Lady Shiva, too. GOOD GAWD, I love Shiva! The appearance of Shiva and Sin was, indeed, extremely satisfying. But, I was not prepared for just how moved I would be by Huntress.

Helena Bertinelli is the kind of girl you want as a best friend because she has got your back. Huntress decides to take Dinah’s place in a battle to the death against Lady Shiva, one of the deadliest people on the planet. THAT is one hell of a gesture. Not only did Helena hold Dinah down to the tenth power, but she stayed on her feet while taking that ass-kicking of a lifetime from Shiva.

Huntress has more moxie than any lady in the DCU. She is Iron Owl.

I'll miss you Nimue

GREATNESS
These are the books I absolutely cannot live without. If I were broke and had to choose between lunch on Wednesday or these comics … I’d be a hungry fangirl.

Madame Xanadu – Often times, the art on the book is nothing shy of perfect. Amy Reeder does an amazing job. I’d also like to give mega-kudos to Shelly Bond over at Vertigo for this most recent arc, Extra-Sensory. Six books, six different female artists, all of them relatively new to the game with the exception of Reeder. What a wonderful way to shine some light on female comic art talent. Marley Zarcone and Chrissie Zullo are new favorites of mine because of it. But it has been the story all along that stole my heart. Matt Wagner’s Nimue is one whom I will love forever. He’s developed Madame Xanadu into a beautiful character of substance. I am truly sad that this book will be over in two issues.

Fables – This book never, EVER disappoints me. Unlike E., I get the monthly issues. I simply cannot wait for the trades. I assure you; the two most recent arcs, Witches and Rose Red, were phenomenal.

Chew – This is, hands down, the best comic book that I have ever read. I know that is a bold statement, but few things make me as happy as reading Chew. Perhaps there is something out there that could top this, but I haven’t read it. John Layman and Rob Guillory have created a thought-provoking and hilarious page-turner. I have absolutely no doubt that the book will keep getting better. If you haven’t picked it up and are curious; you can check out my reviews of Chew here, here, here, aaaaaand HERE.

Wheel of Shadows by John Tyler Christopher

GOODNESS
Excellent books that I thoroughly enjoy, and would recommend to anyone who asked, “What’s good?”

Artifacts – Top Cow and Ron Marz are doing what the “Big Two” should strive to do; make books that new readers can jump into. Artifacts is a Top Cow event book, but you don’t need hardcore Witchblade continuity chops to enjoy. Marz is a great writer, and the high-quality art sets the tone of the book really well. Twelve issues, twelve artifacts, and a good read. If you decide to pull this book, keep an eye out for John Tyler Christopher’s variant covers, they’re my faves.

Birds of Prey – Gail Simone’s Birds of Prey is the reason I read comic books. I love Gail. I love the Birds. I love the way that Gail writes the Birds. It sucks that Ed Benes has been ill and cannot keep up with the monthly art schedule. I hope Ardian Syaf does my favorite ladies justice come December. At the very least, it’ll be nice to have a consistent artist on the book.

Secret Six – This book just feels like home to me. A violent, treacherous, debauched, hilarious home. I cannot live without Ragdoll, Deadshot, Bane, Catman and Jeannette. Gail writes these characters superbly. The regular artist on the book, J. Calafiore, keeps churning out consistently good work and gets better every month. Secret Six is a good, solid comic book. It always has been, and I suspect it always will be.

Zatanna – It’s like there never was a Zatanna until Paul Dini wrote her. This book is classic comic book goodness. DAER TI!

Bernard Chang's Supergirl

SHOULDNESS
Up and coming awesomeness that will be on my pull list, and one that already should be.

Batwoman – I added this to my pull list the moment DC announced the JH Williams and Amy Reeder creative team. I’m certain this will be among the ranks of greatness.

Cinderella: Fables are Forever – Chrissie Zullo’s art is absolutely charming, and I really enjoyed the last Cinderella mini. Anything that gives me more Fables is an automatic win.

Supergirl – Chang didn’t impress me much on his Wonder Woman filler issues, but the Supergirl teasers are beautiful. And I’ve pretty much decided you just cannot go wrong with Nick Spencer.

Sweet Tooth – The anthropology freak in me LOVES the premise of this book: human/animal hybrids living in a post-pandemic United States. It’s gotten excellent reviews, and I know I should be reading it.

MEH
These books have me ankle deep in fangirl duty. My comic book fandom is an ever-evolving creature. Her tastes change and patience wanes, but sometimes loyalty to character and continuity rule the day.

Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne – I love me some Grant Morrison, in more ways than one. His “chaotic” stories are continuity heavy to the Nth degree, and gosh, my synapses fire for his crazy. But I kind of wish I would have waited for the trade. I think RoBW would be better digested in a collected edition. Alas, the solicit for issue #5 is pretty damn delicious, so I can’t help myself.

I want to like you Laura

First Wave – What E. said. (I heart Rags, too.)

Green Lantern – If it weren’t for my intense curiosity about the Indigo Tribe and the fact that Larfleeze makes me laugh out loud, this shit would’ve been dropped.

Green Lantern: Emerald Warriors – Guy Gardner, Kilowag, Peter Tomasi. For all intents and purposes this book should be awesome, but it’s not. Yet.

Wonder Woman – What E. said. (I pledge allegiance to Diana …)

X-23 – Issue #1 left me lukewarm. I’m a fan of the character. My standard Three Issue Rule will apply.

DROPPED
Green Lantern Corps – With Guy and Kilowag off on another book, I failed to see the point. Kyle Raynor just doesn’t do it for me. Nor do Ganthet or John Stewart.

Batman Beyond – I had such high hopes for this book, and that may be why I am so epically disappointed. After last month’s WTF reveal, I have no desire to find out what happens in issues #5 and #6. Many think it’s a decoy plot move, and the Hush villain is someone else. Frankly, I don’t give a damn.

Brightest Day – *snore* I wish they’d use some of those epic artists on other books.

Just for good measure, I asked some of you out there what your TOP three monthly titles were. Here are the top ten responses: Birds of Prey, Secret Six, The Flash, Fantastic Four, Batman & Robin, Gotham City Sirens, Fables, Chew, Witchblade, and Brightest Day.

GREAT
Morning Glories: Image is firing on all cylinders with this book about a scary private school that traps and traumatizes its adolescent charges. Comic shops can’t keep it in stock, and that’s no surprise given the roller coaster of a plot, snappy dialogue and pretty art. Morning Glories is further proof that there’s some stellar work being done outside of the big publishing houses and the capes genre.

Morning Glories

Fables: Since I get this in trade form, I’m not current. The last volume, “The Great Fables Crossover,” was only so-so, but this book has been otherwise excellent. It also continues to evolve and expertly mixes fantasy and comedy with flat-out horror. I can’t wait for the next trade, “Witches,” to drop in December.

Batman and Robin: I’ve written before about how much I dig this book, so I won’t bore you with another love letter. Grant Morrison is handing the reigns to Peter Tomasi soon, but I’m a fan of Tomasi’s work and eagerly anticipate his work on Batman and Robin — especially since he did such a good job during his all-too-brief Nightwing run.

Madame Xanadu: After the most recent (and brilliant) issue about a deadened supermodel named Neon Blue at the height of late ’60s-fame, I was even more depressed that this comic is coming to an end. I have V. to thank for educating me about Madame X just in the nick of time. At least I’ll always have the back issues.

GOOD
G-Man: I initially started getting this Image comic for my children, but like Tiny Titans, it’s a smart, kid-skewing book that’s better than much of the fare for grownups. The most recent arc, “Cape Crisis” centers on young hero G-Man, who gets powers via a magic cape. The problem is that all of his peers (and his kid brother) want a piece of the action, and the results are darn funny. The news that Chris Giarrusso’s book is returning made me very happy, and the kids will have to pry it from my hands.

Red Robin: I didn’t like this comic at all when it debuted, but it has found a consistently good groove and done right by one of my favorite characters. Fabian Nicieza writes Tim Drake and the extended Bat-family well, and Marcus To sure can draw.

G-Man = good times

Birds of Prey: The Gail Simone incarnation of BoP was instrumental in getting me back into the comic book habit, and it’s been a fine reunion. While I’m not as mesmerized as I was the first time around, BoP is one of the books I look forward to most each month, along with …

Secret Six: This comic vacillates between “great” and “good,” so I have been spoiled. I love the characters and their bloody misadventures, and there is some real tenderness and heart underneath piles of bodies. My expectations for a Secret Six issue are probably unfairly high, but if it came down to cash flow, there are a whole lot of books I’d drop before this one.

Love and Capes: This book about a superhero married to a non-superpowered bookstore owner is light, bright and utterly adorable. I’m also reading this in trade, and there’s a longer overview here.

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man: As with Red Robin, I’ve already heaped lots of praise on the latest incarnation of Brian Michael Bendis’ long-running, consistently winning comic. The love-triangle drama between Peter, Mary Jane and Gwen is heating up again, and if enjoying juicy teen drama is wrong, I don’t want to be right.

Hawkeye and Mockingbird: When I started reading this title after the “Read This, Too!” challenge, I immediately thought that this is the book Green Arrow & Black Canary should have been. The vibe between the title characters — formerly married, now dating — is sexy and fun, and the book is full of action.

Welcome to Tranquility: Another Gail Simone gem about retired superheroes and supervillains, and a whole lot of secrets and lies. See a recent review here.

Mystery Society: I was late to the party on this five-issue series about a wealthy, urbane husband and wife who uncover government conspiracies and recruit odball characters along the way to join their adventures. The story is a kick, but it’s worth reading for Fiona Staples’ artwork alone.

PROMISING

Haweye and Mockingbird

Thunderbolts: I read my first issue a few weeks ago and thoroughly dug it. Luke Cage is leading a group of formerly bad guys trying to go legit, and Jeff Parker spins a good narrative (with ninjas!). Declan Shalvey’s art is impressive, and as a Thunderbolts newbie, I found issue #148 easy to jump into. And no, I’m not reading Shadowland.

Freedom Fighters: I bought this comic based on Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray’s Power Girl work, and I liked the first two issues quite a bit. It’s always a joy to see Nazis getting beaten up, and chances are good that this will be a dynamic team comic. Stay tuned.

Lady Mechanika: I’ve never been a Steampunk gal, but the artwork in this Aspen Comics title by Joe Benitez blew me away. The story focuses on a rifle-toting character named Mechanika, who is part human, part machine. It’s set in late 1800s London, and based on issue #0, it’s going to be a wild ride. My Newsarama review is here, but suffice to say that it’s worth checking out. If my stomach were sufficiently flat, this would SO be my con costume.

MEH
Wonder Woman: I think I got all the Haterade out of my system in this post, but I’m buying this book purely out of loyalty. I don’t want to give DC another reason to treat Diana like a stepchild, so I can’t bring myself to drop it.

First Wave

First Wave: At this point, only Rags Morales’ awesome illustrations are keeping this in my LCS file. This pulpy, character-heavy comic involving The Spirit, young Batman, Doc Savage and an alternative Black Canary got off to a nice start, but the long stretches between issues killed some of its momentum for me. There are only two issues to go, so I’m not sure it can deliver on its early promise or do justice to all the players.

DROPPED
Brightest Day: Pretty, but too draggy, convoluted and crowded. I might read it in deeply discounted trade form.

Power Girl: Judd Winick’s first few issues were better than I expected, but they just weren’t good enough to justify my $2.99. Part of the problem is that the previous creative team was so good that any successors would have a challenge on their hands. I don’t care enough about PG to read her adventures if the comic is just middling, so I cut it loose with no regrets.

Justice Society of America: I stuck with this book after Bill Willingham finished his “Fatherland” arc, but James Robinson’s follow-up just didn’t do it for me. I almost kept buying it just for Jesus Merino’s illustrations, even though story quality fell off in a major. The book is getting a new creative team, so I might give it another shot. Maybe.

More recently, mainstream comic books have seen plenty of lesbian love, and perhaps that provides extended shower time for the “target demographic.” But, we all know that people who read comics are a much more diverse and intellectual bunch than the stereotype of your middle-aged, straight white guy.

Based on the human population at large, there is a disproportionately low number of gay characters in comics, particularly gay male characters. As with many female characters, gay characters have faced being cast in a less-than-desirable light. So much of what is portrayed in the media of the LGBT community is negative, stereotypical, or outlandish.

Over in Riverdale, the recent addition of Kevin was the gay boy heard ’round the world, and a step in the right direction. This month’s issue of Birds of Prey features two more steps forward. Mega hotties Creote and Savant have a beautiful shared moment when they realize they are in love with each other, and have been for quite some time. It is sweet, affectionate, positive and, yup, it’s gay. Knowing my darling Gail, there’ll be more where that came from. Love is love. HUZZAH!

Awww ... ya big lugs!

Jumping right back into the action from issue #1, Black Canary and Huntress face off with White Canary who is serving the Birds some serious whoop ass. Black Canary manages to get a few licks in. Maybe a few licks too many as she responds emotionally to what seems to be some major hater vibes coming off of this new enemy.

Hell hath no fury like a Canary scorned.

Back up comes not a second too soon in the form of Hawk, Dove and Zinda. White Canary immediately launches Hawk into a brick wall, and makes him bleed. Apparently that’s kind of a big deal. Meanwhile, Oracle is watching as Black Canary is being framed as a murderer on live TV, and not a minute later, major law enforcement shows up to the scene in the alley to arrest Dinah. Being arrested was so not on the agenda.

THIS is Gail's Black Canary

Things go from bad to worse. Upon realizing that they’ve been thoroughly set up, Dinah points the finger at White Canary. Her response: “One of you will die every hour for the next six hours. You choose. Or I will.” Cut to Oracle getting a com from an inconsolable Creote. They were attacked by a woman because of their affiliation with the Birds, and now Savant is dead. Creote is devastated, and kills himself while Oracle is listening.

It's never good when Russian bodyguards start snotting themselves.

Back in the alley, the whole crew happens upon a TV set up for their viewing pleasure. The Action 8 news is on with “breaking coverage” of Black Canary’s messy breakup with Ollie, a wildly distorted version of her almost adoption of Sin, and her identity. Dinah is brought to her knees while White Canary watches from a rooftop above.

Even after all THAT, the high impact moment of the issue is at the end. Oracle realizes that she’s become complacent over the past five years, letting the machines do her work. Whoever this enemy is, s/he is using the grid against the Birds. Oracle dries her tears and reminds herself that SHE IS THE GRID, it exists because she allows it to, and she enacts what can only be the ultimate cyber command “Data Womb Code, Omniscient.” I’m pretty sure that means “IT’S ON!”

The art was fantastic, Ed Benes and Adriana Melo are beyond belief talented. Both artists have a lushness to their pencils – expressive eyes and pillowy lips. Still, their respective styles have some distinct differences. It is quite obvious where Ed’s pencils end and Adriana’s start. REEEMIIIX! Melo makes up for the abrupt shift in art with her up-close face panels and the beautiful splash page of Oracle.

Major props to Gail for immediately addressing some continuity issues that were created after she left the book, like the huge, gaping hot-mess that was the Sin story arc. And I’ve always loved Creote and Savant, but the characters fell to the wayside without Gail’s pen. It’s sad that they met their end, but it’s a memorable scene that tied that loose end right on up. It reminds me that Gail loves these characters as much, if not more, than the fans do. I am certain she will keep on serving up excellence in the form of Birds of Prey for as long as they let her. At least we hope so.

Birds of Prey #2
Writer: Gail Simone
Pencillers: Ed Benes & Adriana Melo
Inkers: Ed Benes & Mariah Benes
Colors: Nei Ruffino
DC
Released: June 16, 2010

Variant cover art by Cliff Chiang

The best friendships are the ones where, even after long stretches of little communication, everyone picks up right where they left off. There are no awkward pauses or, worse, internal monologues about how it’s just not the same.

For fans of Gail Simone’s Birds of Prey run, reading issue #1 of the revived series is like that great reunion with an old friend. Simone stepped away from the book three years ago, and it was canceled in 2009. However, she and original collaborator Ed Benes have wasted no time in returning the Birds to classic, crime-busting form — and we missed them terribly. (Spoilers await.)

The four-part “Endgame” story opens in Iceland, where Black Canary has arrived to rescue a diplomat’s 5-year-old daughter from a terrorist/kidnapper. The beauty of this sequence is that it firmly re-establishes Dinah Lance as one of the world’s most skilled combatants, obliterating the sad-sack wife nonsense other writers saddled her with. Let’s just say there’s a lot of blood on the snow in Reykjavik, and it’s not Dinah’s. Or the 5-year-old’s.

"Where my girls at?"

Shortly, Oracle begins reassembling the team to deal with an anonymous mofo who has a frightening amount of information about the Birds and all their friends/associates. Zinda is dispatched to recruit Hawk and Dove, one of whom has some serious anger management issues. (I wouldn’t have held it against Hawk if he’d tossed that silly, bank-robbing cheerleader off the roof, but that’s just me.) The addition of these newbies to a well-established group is potentially rich with drama, and I’m looking forward to seeing how everyone adjusts, or doesn’t.

This is the REAL DC Trinity

Simone’s affection for these characters comes through on every page, especially in the funny, familiar banter that flies between Canary, Zinda, Huntress and Oracle. The Birds also look fabulous, thanks to Benes’ gourmet cheesecake illustrations and colorist Nei Ruffino’s glowing, moody palette, which really suits poured-on leather under moonlight. Those panels of Huntress cracking skulls while talking to Oracle via cell phone could launch 1,000 gym memberships alone.

As if that weren’t enough, the Big Villain Reveal on the final page is a total surprise, and still a bit of a mystery. I figured it would be Lady Shiva, or even a tween Sin, but the ending suggests that our heroines are in for even bigger trouble. It is totally on — and I couldn’t be happier.

As we’ve seen in Secret Six, no one does amoral with Gail’s flair. Amoral characters are intriguing because they do the things our conscience and social mores prevent us from doing. We get to live our fantasies through them, and their writers aren’t limited by pesky issues like virtue. Plus, Shiva is a straight-up beast. She’s kicked more asses than you’ve read comics. She’s fast, ingenious, wicked, and not at all afraid to die. That final fact alone makes her a force to be reckoned with. I firmly believe that she could defeat Deathstroke (See previous poll). All Shiva needs is a two-second window, and he’s done for — genetic engineering be damned. Shiva would engineer a beatdown.

To drive the point home, here are some of my favorite Lady Shiva quotes:

“I believe in letting people do as they wish, as do I myself. Sometimes, of course, what I wish to do is kill them and they do not wish to die. This gives life interest.” – The Question #29

“I am not allowing you to pass out. I want your men to see you beg. Then you will apologize with a pain you will remember always.” – Birds of Prey #62

“All this ceremony, and the truth is: the body decays, the spirit is lost. It means nothing. Ashes or earth, I hardly see the significance of where they lay your corpse.” – Birds of Prey #68

“If you ever touch me again, I shall shatter three bones in your arm: the humerus, the radius, and the ulna. I shall shatter them in such a way that shards will protrude into the nerves, causing intense pain! I shall shatter them in such a way that no Western doctor will be able to repair them. Your arm will thereafter dangle from your shoulder like a dead fish. Do you understand?”

And my favorite:

“Perhaps death is just a little bit afraid of me.” – Birds of Prey #63

So, I’m riding the wave of Shiva-is-a-bad-ass-bitch, and as per usual, once she was out of Gail’s hands, someone added suckage to her repertoire. I realize this is part of the multiple-writers nature of comics. I’m not that bitter. But chocolate? As in, Robin (Tim Drake) defeats Shiva by sending her some drug-laced chocolate? Really? Bullshit!

I seriously doubt that a world-class mercenary/martial artist with so many enemies would even consider eating a piece of hotel chocolate. As E. pointed out, “She’s probably on a macrobiotic diet.” The poisoned chocolate was a flimsy attempt at strengthening Tim’s character, I guess because he and Shiva have a past. But honestly, who gives a fuck? This did a major disservice to Shiva’s character. Her sister was murdered, and her daughter broke her neck. Bottom line: Shiva should get more respect than that. As Black Canary put it, “In some countries, being killed by her brings eternal honor to your entire surviving family.”

With books coming back from the “dead” and all, we have The Question #37 written by Greg Rucka. Now, I almost love Rucka as much as I love Simone. He also understands the kick-ass chick. We’ll get to see my favorite DCU lesbian, Renee Montoya, a Black Lantern Vic Sage and (here’s the part that’s got me salivating) an appearance by Lady Shiva. She’s already got a past with Vic. Throw Montoya in the mix, and a few interesting worlds collide. Renee vs. Shiva? I’d like to see that mashup! Rucka had this to say, “[Shiva's] just entirely amoral and committed to her path. … She doesn’t care what you think, ever.” Color me blue, because THAT gives me hope.

Nobody draws Black Canary better than Benes!

I’ve enjoyed comic books and the characters since I was young, but for a long time, it was more from a distance. I’d admire them in a bookstore, peruse a boyfriend’s long box or, on occasion, borrow a trade. But I didn’t collect and follow comics myself — that is, until I met the Birds: Babs, Dinah, Helena and Zinda, as written by Gail Simone and drawn by Ed Benes, hold an über-sacred place in my heart.

I had just started a new job a few years ago when the topic of comic books somehow came up with the IT guy who was setting up my computer. He asked if I was into them, and I was all, “Sure. Kinda.”  I told him I was really into Wonder Woman and chicks who kick ass. He said he had something for me, and the next day, there was a stack of Birds of Prey trade paperbacks on my desk.

I opened the first one that following Saturday morning, and I couldn’t put them down. I was so enthralled that I read until my eyes couldn’t focus, and I developed a monumental headache. I kept on reading.

It is because of those very books that I go to my LCS every Wednesday; spend countless hours reading comics; search the Internet for comic book news and art; display a Black Canary Ame Comi figurine on my office shelf; spend lunches with other comic book fiends, talking for hours on our favorite stories; and now have a blog to talk about it all. Birds of Prey was the catalyst.

Honestly, no other book or set of characters has done for me what BoP did. I’d liken it to the first hit from a crack pipe. Gail’s writing and Ed’s art made me itch. From then on, I was hooked, searching desperately for that same high that I got from the Birds. Some series have come close: Identity Crisis, Secret Six, Rucka’s run on Wonder Woman, Fables, and Detective Comics with my darling Kate. While they all gave me a great fangirl buzz, they didn’t satisfy me quite as much as Dinah kicking ass in her fishnets, Babs taking down a group of men from her wheelchair, Lady Shiva struggling with morality as Jade Canary, and Lady Blackhawk punctuating the action with her hilarious one-liners.

When Gail moved on to other projects, I was terribly disappointed. Especially when DC married off Dinah to Ollie, and essentially ruined what Gail had done with her character. (And can someone please tell me what happened to Sin? Anyone?) In new hands, the book floundered, then got canned. Many, many times I’ve wished for DC to bring the Birds back, with Gail driving. It seems my wish has been granted: The dream team of Simone/Benes is back! And I am so fucking happy I want to cry.